TRAIL RUNNING
After a wet first day , the weather gods were much kinder on day two
Requiring Rescue
We were warmly welcomed at Kob Inn , where feedback from the runners ranged from “ exhilarating and energising ,” to “ that was absolutely insane – what are we doing ?” As more people arrived , more stories were shared … one participant had almost been swept out to sea , and another participant , with no regard for his own safety , had jumped in to save her .
We then got a message from one of the race organisers that she was at the Shixini , and there were people on the far side who were not going to cross without assistance . This was a bit of a tricky situation , because to get a vehicle to Shixini in the current conditions was nearly impossible . Our back-up vehicles had been sent to Willowmore to pick up the 14 participants who had pulled out at Nqabara , and communications were non-existent , as all the cellphone towers had gone down during loadshedding .
A rescue mission was launched , with two of our strongest runners tackling the 8km back to Shixini Mouth with boogie boards and rope in order to assist the group across . Three of the seven eagerly accepted the offer of help , but the other four remained , awaiting a ‘ proper ’ rescue effort . It was clear they had no idea just how remote the Transkei is , or how extreme the weather had been . Don , the owner of Kob Inn , kindly and heroically embarked on the drive to Shixini with race organiser Liam and a kayak . The 27km drive took two and a half hours , and they finally reached the stranded team after midnight , arriving back at Kob Inn at 3am , shivering and exhausted .
Day 2
Kob Inn to Seagulls
As they say , the show must go on ... and despite minimal sleep for some , no-one took up the offer of transport to Seagulls as all of the herd decided to continue with the run . The day was delightfully dry and relaxed , and this was a beautiful part of the coast , with far less technical running . For me , it was a necessary relief to reflect on and recover
from the previous day . Everyone had a story , and it was wonderful listening to the camaraderie and adventures of the previous day ’ s adventure . Everyone ’ s experience and reaction had been different . By the time we arrived at Seagulls , it felt like we were on holiday … just slightly more exhausted and sore in the body .
Team Swaziland catching their breaths with a bit of beach walking
The half-inflated rubber duck that got the runners across Kei Mouth
Day 3
Seagulls to Crawfords Beach Lodge
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ISSUE 158 | www . modernathlete . co . za
We woke up to the welcome sight of the sun and headed off slowly to the Kei River , where we knew the pont would not be able to take us over . The silt washed down by the rains meant that very few boats would be able to launch . Luckily , a determined fisherman offered to ferry 58 runners across the Kei in his slightly deflated rubber duck . ( Whilst launching , the rubber duck had popped two out of its four pontoons .) It was hilarious and joyous , and still did the job perfectly . There is no rush in this part of the world , and everyone went at their own pace as they made their way through Kei Mouth , Morgans Bay and Haga Haga to the glorious Crawfords Cabin , and the
most delicious Steers burger .
The Herd Mentality
There is something special about the RB Africa Wild
The famous cows of the Wild Coast didn ’ t know what to make of the crazy running herd !
Coast Challenge . The group of herd ‘ old-timers ’ who come back year after year , the warm hospitality shown by the Transkei hoteliers , the familiar yet always changing coastal terrain , the indescribable magic of Transkei … and 2023 will go down in the books as the wildest event to date .
Every person who participated was pushed out of their comfort zone , was required to help someone else along the way , and had to make critical , possibly life-changing decisions at some point . Human beings are remarkably resilient , and it is often in the most adverse conditions that we thrive , when we have the most unforgettable experiences , and build the most meaningful relationships . That is why I will be back next year to join the herd again .
Save the Date
The next edition of the RB Africa Wild Coast Challenge takes place from 7-9 March 2024 . More info at www . rbadventures . org .
Images : Courtesy RB Africa Wild Coast Challenge